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What Russia’s war means for Australian petrol prices: $2.10 a litre

Sam Bernardo
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Global crude oil prices have already reached their highest levels since 2014 in response to Russia’s military incursion into Ukraine.

With Russia being the world’s second-largest exporter of crude oil and refined petrol, as well the world’s largest exporter of natural gas, we can expect prices to go even higher as the conflict deepens.

Skittish global energy markets are now factoring in disruptions to Russia’s supply through Western sanctions as well as Russia cutting off to supplies to Europe, its main market for both oil and gas.

Australians will feel these market anxieties too, with changes in retail prices largely determined by international price benchmarks for refined petrol.

It typically takes more than a week for changes in international prices to flow through to retail prices in Australian cities, and longer in regional areas.

But based on what is happening internationally we can expect petrol prices in Australia to soon reach an average of $2.10 a litre.

How are petrol prices set?

Australia meets its petrol needs through either refining crude oil locally or (increasingly) importing refined petrol.

Two decades ago, eight local refineries were able to supply most of Australia’s petrol demand. Now there are just two, producing less than 10% of Australia’s petrol needs. This means 90% of refined petrol is imported – principally from Korea, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia and China.

As in other importing countries, the price Australians pay at the petrol pump therefore has three main components:

  • the international price of refined petrol
  • government taxes
  • other transportation, marketing and retail costs, including a profit margin.

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, which closely scrutinises petrol prices, says the international price is the main determinant of price changes.

The following chart shows the relationship between average retail prices in Australian cities and the benchmark price for 95-octane unleaded petroleum in Singapore, the largest oil trading exchange in our region. (The fuel is called Singapore Mogas 95 – “mogas” meaning motor gasoline.)

Monthly average retail petrol prices in the 5 largest cities and Mogas 95 prices in real terms: October 2001 to
November 2021

Movements in monthly average retail petrol prices in the 5 largest cities and Mogas 95 prices in Australian cents per litre

ACCC

Taxes are the second-biggest component. These consist of an excise and the goods and services tax. GST is 10% of the retail price (or 1/11 of the total price paid). As of February 2022, the excise was fixed at 44.2 cents a litre, so it doesn’t change with the retail price.

Assuming a petrol price of $1.90/litre, taxes would comprise about a third of the cost. The tax Australians pay on petrol is among the lowest in the OECD group of advanced economies.

The remainder of the retail price includes supply chain costs and profit margins for refiners, wholesalers, distributors and retailers. The amount motorists pay as profit is less than 10 cents a litre.

Global ripples

Australia may not import crude oil or petrol from Russia. But the world oil market behaves as one great pool, where changes in market conditions in one area quickly affect other geographic areas.

More than half of Russia’s oil exports and most of its natural gas exports go to Europe. Russia provides about 30% of Europe’s crude oil and refined petrol imports and 40% of it natural gas imports.

In response to Russia’s actions against Ukraine, Germany has already moved to halt a new gas pipeline being laid in the Baltic Sea between Russia and Germany.

Market watchers worry the Russian gas that flows across Ukraine to Europe could also be shut off. This would lead to severe shortages in some countries and drive up the price of gas as well as other fuels, such as oil.

There is also considerable pressure to ensure economic sanctions imposed on Russia are not undermined by Moscow continuing to profit from its oil and gas trade. Analysts from the Brookings Institution, for example, have argued for sanctions on Russian energy exports.

What we can expect

Two weeks ago, when the global benchmark oil price was just above US$90 a barrel, JP Morgan predicted the price would reach US$125 a barrel.

This week Goldman Sachs analysts tipped that “outright conflict” coupled with “punitive sanctions” will increase oil prices by 13%.

The five-city average Australian petrol price was near A$1.70 per litre when the benchhmark oil price was US$90 per barrel. This suggests an increase to US$125 a barrel would lift average Australian city prices to as much as $2.10 per litre.

Vlado Vivoda, Senior Lecturer in Strategic Studies (Australian War College), Deakin University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Digital Licence App to Queenslanders

Sam Bernardo
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Queensland’s first Digital Licence

The announcement follows a successful trial of the app in the Fraser Coast in 2020.
Queenslanders can expect to go digital with their drivers licence next year, with a contract to deliver the Digital Licence App to Queenslanders now signed. 

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said Thales Australia & New Zealand would finalise the development and delivery of the app, which would be rolled out across the state next year.

“Queensland is modernising it’s approach to licencing, as we progress with the development of a Digital Licence App that will hit Queensland phones next year,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Fraser Coast trial was a resounding success, with users reporting a 94 per cent satisfaction rating during the testing.

“This gives us confidence that we’re on the right track to ensuring the smooth and successful roll-out of the Digital Licence App across the state.

“What we’re doing here is creating a modern, innovative solution that adopts international best-practice solutions and has the privacy of data front of mind.”

Mr Bailey said the next stage of the roll out would see the Digital Licence App trialled in the Townsville region later this year.

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“The app is being upgraded based on feedback from the Fraser Coast pilot, as well as adding new functionality and options to make sure we are meeting the needs of the people who use it,” he said.

“It’s exciting for Townsville to be the first major town to trial this new technology, covering a larger area and more diverse population than previous testing.”

Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said this was an innovative and new way of doing things.

“It’s great to be trialling this in Townsville and it means people will have one less thing to carry if they’re exploring our backyard,” Mr Stewart said.

Member for Mundingburra Les Walker said he hoped people in the city would embrace the technology.

“Technology is continually changing and making things like this possible which just gives people more flexibility,” Mr Walker said.

Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper said the way people use their licences today is different from when they were introduced more than 100 years ago in paper format.

“This trial in Townsville is about giving people a choice and more flexibility which is important as digital technology continues to evolve,” Mr Harper said.

Mr Bailey said the Digital Licence App would comply with an international standard, which means Queenslanders would be able to use it around Australia and overseas.

“A new standard for mobile driving licences was published in 2021, and our app will comply with this standard, giving Queenslanders greater freedom and convenient options to use their Digital Licence when travelling,” Minister Bailey said.

“We have involved customers and user testing at every phase of the project, from the initial planning and development, through trials and testing, and on to the final roll-out.

“I’m pleased that the development of the app will also strengthen the Queensland information technology and innovation sector, with Thales collaborating with Brisbane-based app development firms Aliva and Code Heroes.

“Thales’ combined bid with Code Heroes and Aliva means we can continue to adopt international best-practice solutions, while also showcasing Queensland’s technology sector to the world.”

Thales Australia & New Zealand CEO Chris Jenkins said Thales was excited to continue their partnership with the Queensland Government to deliver the digital licence.

“This solution is an Australia-first, meeting the International Mobile Driver Licence Standard ISO 18013-5, which was published last year. This will allow the state’s digital driver licences to be recognised and used all over the world,” Mr Jenkins said.

For more information, visit the Digital Licence App website: www.qld.gov.au/digitallicence.

Source: The State of Queensland

Want to delete your social media, but can’t bring yourself to do it? Here are some ways to take that step

Sam Bernardo
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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

For more than a decade we’ve been deeply immersed in a love affair with social media. And the thought of ending things can be painful. But like any relationship, if social media is no longer making you happy – and if curating your online persona is exhausting instead of fun – it might be time to say goodbye.

Late last year, Meta (previously Facebook) came under intense scrutiny after leaked documents revealed the company was fully aware of the negative impact its products, Instagram in particular, can have on users’ mental health.

Meta went straight into damage control. But it seemed no one was particularly surprised by the news – not even teenage girls, who Meta identified as most at risk. Was the leak just confirming what we already suspected: that social media has the potential to be much more harmful than helpful?

How did our once carefree relationship with social media turn sour? And perhaps most importantly, can (or should) it be salvaged?

Spotting the red flags

Relationship counsellors will often ask troubled couples to think about what made them happy in their relationship. Social media, for all it’s annoying peccadilloes, does have some redeeming features.

Throughout the pandemic, the ability to stay connected to people we can’t see in person has become incredibly valuable. Social media can also help people find their tribe, particularly if the people in their offline world don’t share their values and beliefs.

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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay 

With so many social platforms available – and millions (or even billions) plugged in – our FOMO can takeover.

But if you can’t go a day without trawling through the sites, feeling compelled to “like” or be “liked”, your relationship is in trouble.

Though far from settled, the bulk of screen time research focuses on the detrimental effects of excessive or problematic screen use on well-being and mental health. A 2021 meta-analysis of 55 studies, with a combined sample size of 80,533 people, found a positive (albeit small) association between depressive symptoms and social media use.

An important finding was that negative consequences were more likely to come from how social media use made participants feel, rather than how long they used it.

Information overload

In trying to understand why social media can leave us feeling less than content, we can’t look past the effect of the 24/7 news (and fake news) stream on our collective psyche.

A 2021 Deloitte survey of Australians found 79% thought fake news was a problem, and only 18% felt information obtained via social media was trustworthy. Having to navigate content that deliberately aims to perpetuate fear and dissent only adds to people’s cognitive and emotional burden.

But here’s the rub. It seems while we’re generally concerned about technology having a negative impact on our well-being, this doesn’t translate to behaviour change on an individual level.

My own research published last year found more than two-thirds of survey participants believed excessive smartphone use can negatively impact well-being, yet individual usage was still very high, averaging 184 minutes per day. There was no relationship between the belief and the behaviour.

What leads to this apparent cognitive-behavioural dissonance? The results of a long-term study by University of Amsterdam researchers might provide a clue. They found living in a “permanently online” world leads to decreased self-control over social media use and, subsequently, lower well-being.

In other words, we know what we’re doing might be bad for us, but we do it anyway.

Simple steps you can take

How do you know when it’s time to reevaluate your relationship with social media? There’s one deceptively simple question to ask yourself: how does it make you feel?

Think about how you feel before, during and after you use social media. If you feel like you’re wasting large chunks of your day, your week (or, dare I say, your life) on social media – that’s a clue. If you feel negative emotions such as sadness, anxiety, guilt or fear, you have your answer.

But if divorcing social media abruptly feels like a step too far, what else can you do to slowly break away, or potentially salvage the relationship?

1. Start with a trial separation

A “soft delete” lets you see how you’ll feel without your social media before committing to a hard delete. Let friends and family know you’re taking a break, remove the apps from your devices, and set yourself a goal of maybe one or two weeks where you don’t access the account/s. If the world is still turning at the end of this trial, keep going! Once you no longer feel the pull of social media, you’ll be ready to hit delete.

2. Reduce the number of platforms you engage with

If you have Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Tumblr, Pinterest and Reddit on your phone, tablet and computer, you’re probably past saturation point and into drowning territory. Pick one or two apps that genuinely serve a meaningful purpose for you, and ditch the rest. Gen X’ers find it hard to say goodbye to Facebook, but Gen Zers in the US have largely bid it farewell. If they can do it, so can you!

3. If steps 1 and 2 are still too much, try to reduce your time spent on social media

First and foremost, turn off all your notifications (yes, all of them). If you’re conditioned to respond to every “bing”, you’ll find it almost impossible to stop. Set aside sometime each day and do all your social media catching up or browsing. Set an alarm for your predetermined time allocation, and when it sounds, put the phone down until the same time tomorrow.

None of this will be easy, and walking away from social media might hurt at first. But if the relationship has become uncomfortable, or even abusive, it’s time to take a stand. And who knows what untold happiness you might find, beyond the four walls of your screen?The Conversation


Failing to disconnect from social media can end up hurting more the alternative.

Sharon Horwood, Senior lecturer in Psychology, Deakin University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Queensland E-Scooter reforms: speeds slashed, $137 fines

Sam Bernardo
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Roads and footpaths will be safer for Queensland commuters as the Palaszczuk Government rolls out new measures to better regulate e-scooters.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said stronger laws like lower speeds on footpaths, mandated safety measures, a safety education campaign and clearer signage and markings would be part of a suite of new actions to help ensure e-scooter riders, cyclists, motorists and pedestrians can safely share spaces.

“The rising popularity of e-scooters is a clear sign they aren’t going to disappear,” the Minister said.

“We know that people are going to keep using them so the key is making sure that shared spaces like footpaths and bike-lanes are as safe as they can be.

“That’s why I joined industry and user groups, disability advocates, health, police and government experts late last year to understand what needs to be done to make e-scooters and their use safer for people riding them and those they ride near.”

Immediate action will include the rollout of a proactive safety campaign focussing on the correct way to wear a helmet, how to ride safely, how to overtake pedestrians safely and how to park to keep the footpath clear for people with disabilities.

Mr Bailey said the reforms would see speed limits slashed on footpaths to 12 kilometres an hour.

“We are seeing far too many injuries in e-scooter users that are the result of speeding and many pedestrians feeling unsafe on footpaths,” he said.

“Our footpaths are there for everyone so e-scooter riders will need to slow down on footpaths to 12 km/h in future.

“We’ll also be allowing e-scooters on segregated bikeways, like the Veloway and bikeways such as the Ipswich Motorway & Gateway Arterial North as we examine further their use in relation to on-road bike lanes.

“For e-scooters to use footpaths less, they need more safe routes to use as an alternative.

“We’ll examine further whether on-road bike lanes are appropriate with all stakeholders, with extensive consultation with local government associations and councils to come.”

The State Government will also work with Brisbane City Council and other LGAs on making sure signs and markings make it clear where e-scooters can and can’t be ridden and where they can and can’t be parked.

Tougher laws to give police better tools to enforce speed limits and drink riding will also be further explored to crack down on rogue e-scooter riders endangering others.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said the Queensland Police Service would be part of a new Personal Mobility Device Safety Reference Group.

“We know many people do the right thing and our officers do a great job at policing dangerous behaviour already,” the Minister said.

“But with new rules and regulations we will be better equipped to keep the public safe.”

Mr Bailey said more information on the safety reforms would be made available in the coming months, as engagement with industry and stakeholders progressed.

“I look forward to seeing the work we can do in this space, and the benefits the reforms can have in community moving forward,” he said.

“I expect our Personal Mobility Action Plan outlining these, and a number of other initiatives around e-scooters, will be available shortly.”

More information on the current road rules for personal mobility devices can be found on the Queensland Government website.

Fast Fact – E-Scooter Reforms

  • Slashing footpath speed limits in half, to 12km/h
  • Proactive safety campaign to inform users of road rules, parking and their responsibilities
  • Partner with industry for a new e-scooter users guide at point of sale (privately owned e-scooters)
  • Mandate warning devices (such as a bell)
  • Establish an e-scooter parking working group to create clear rules for e-scooter parking to keep footpaths clear for pedestrians and people with disabilities 
  • Allowing e-scooters on segregated bikeways, including the Veloway
  • Examine further e-scooter use on shared bikeways and on road bike lanes, pending further stakeholder and local government consultation
  • Improved data recording and injury reporting
  • Improved signage and markings 
  • Road rule amendments
  • Creation of high-risk e-scooter offences, including drink and drug driving penalties, through legislative reforms
  • Cracking down on dangerous and irresponsible e-scooter behaviour such as speeding through tougher enforcement and appropriate penalties 

Penalties for non-compliance

If you get caught not complying with these rules you will be fined at least $137.

Source: Queensland Government

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Queensland Police, Speeding motorists put on notice

Sam Bernardo
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Speeding motorists are being put on notice as police ramp up efforts to stop the rising trauma on Queensland roads.

Twenty lives have already been lost on Queensland roads in February while 600 people have been injured in traffic crashes.

Queensland’s Lives Lost toll stands at 40, which is 3 more than at the same time last year and more than double that at the same time in 2020 (18).

Acting Chief Superintendent Ray Rohweder said speed continued to be a contributing factor in the majority of serious crashes.

“Already this year we have seen a lot of trauma, a lot of shattered families and a lot of preventable tragedies on our roads,” Acting Chief Superintendent Rohweder said.

“In many of these incidents, excessive speed has been the main cause of the crash.”

He said police had ramped up enforcement activity, conducting operations across the state.

“Our officers are seeing extremely dangerous risk-taking behaviour on our roads, particularly when it comes to speeding.

“Some of the worst offenders are doing double the speed limit which is idiotic and reckless and will not be tolerated.

“We are conducting localised traffic operations across Queensland and will continue to do all we can to make our roads safer.

“Police will continue to target dangerous road users so motorists doing the wrong thing should expect us anywhere, anytime.”

Enforcement activity in the first half of February (Feb 1 to 17) includes:
• 7,700 speeding fines issued by police
• 55,000 RBTs & RDTs conducted
• 722 drink drivers detected
• 586 positive drug-drivers detected
• 15,875 traffic infringement notices

Police intercept speeding drivers


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(CC) The State of Queensland (Queensland Police Service) 2022

Queensland Government

Multicultural Victorians invited to photography competition

Sam Bernardo
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Image by Afik Eleck from Pixabay 

Telling The Stories Of Multicultural Victorians

Victorians from multicultural communities are invited to enter a new photography competition and tell their story.

The first of its kind, Capturing Culture: A Focus on Multicultural Victoria is open to anyone in Victoria with a multicultural background. 

In addition to the $9,000 in prizes on offer, entrants have the opportunity to contribute to the visual record of a unique time in our history.

Shortlisted entries will culminate in an exhibition of 24 artworks in June 2022. Winning entries will be announced at the exhibition.

Submissions will be scored by a panel of judges across six categories: people’s choice, days of significance and cultural celebrations, portraiture, daily life and family, community resilience and the Minister’s choice.

Applications are open until Sunday 17 April.

For more information or to submit your entry, visit multiculturalcommission.vic.gov.au/capturing-culture.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ros Spence

“This is a great opportunity for Victorians from multicultural backgrounds to share their experiences from their own perspective.”

“The exhibition gives us the chance to recognise the vital contribution Victoria’s multicultural communities have made to our State – and their incredible resilience through the pandemic.”

Quotes attributable to Victorian Multicultural Commission Chairperson Viv Nguyen AM

“In addition to the VMC’s 2022 Multicultural Film Festival, we are excited to expand our showcase of talented multicultural art practitioners in Victoria through the launch of this competition.”

“Photography is a powerful medium to capture those fleeting moments that unite communities – the fleeting glances between loved ones, the sadness, the humour, the joy.”

Source: Premier of Victoria

Andrews Government funding boast to LGBTIQ and gender diverse Victorians

Sam Bernardo
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The Andrews Labor Government is standing with young queer, transgender and gender diverse Victorians and their families, with a fast-tracked funding boost to give them better access to vital health and support services.

The recent unnecessary, hurtful public debate around legal protections for young LGBTIQ+ Australians has had a significant impact on their wellbeing and that of their families and loved ones.

Young same-sex attracted people are already five times more likely to attempt suicide – and young transgender Australians are 15 times more likely. That’s why the Labor Government is stepping in to provide support where the Commonwealth has failed and subjected these communities to weeks of harmful and divisive rhetoric.

Responding to any additional demand and making sure young LGBTIQ+ people know that in Victoria equality is not negotiable, the Government will deliver a $200,000 package for local organisations that provide crucial support to the LGBTIQ+ community.

The investment will consist of $150,000 for the broader LGBTIQ+ community – with $50,000 each to Switchboard Victoria, Thorne Harbour Health and Drummond Street, and a further $50,000 dedicated to boosting support for trans and gender diverse Victorians, split between Transcend and Parents of Gender Diverse Children.

This extra support will make sure these organisations can manage any increased demand for their services including counselling and family therapy, referrals and peer supports to ensure LGBTIQ+ young people, their families and carers get the support and guidance they need, as soon as they need it.

In addition to this package, an extra $15,000 will support Transcend to deliver a social media campaign providing positive messages to trans and gender diverse young people, their families, allies and wider community.

The funding announcement coincides with today’s inaugural Melbourne Pride Street party – celebrating Victoria’s vibrant, diverse queer community, and follows the Labor Government’s release of the first whole-of-government LGBTIQ+ Strategy, which sets out a 10-year plan to improve outcomes for the community across the state.

The Victorian Budget 2021/22 has invested $26.2 million to make mental health and wellbeing services more accessible to diverse communities – including $7 million to expand Rainbow Door.

Quote attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“It’s pretty simple. All people, whether gay or straight or transgender, deserve support and protection. That is our record – and the Commonwealth government ought to be ashamed.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Mental Health James Merlino

“The debate this week in Canberra has put our young LGBTIQ+ communities at risk. We’re sending queer and gender diverse Victorians a message that in this state, you are loved, supported and welcome to be exactly who you are.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Equality Martin Foley

“In Victoria, equality is not negotiable – and we are proud to be supporting a campaign to make sure that if any member of our LGBTIQ+ community needs support, we have their back.


Attribution: Media Release unedited Victoria Government

Convoy to Canberra, Albanese tells 100,000 Australians to Go Home

Sam Bernardo
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The Political leaders and Media want to downplay there were 100,000 people in Canberra today, I promise you they would be very worried about the turnout especially people who have travelled so far to get to stinking Parliament House that’s full of Rats.

We are lucky that Federal Labor Party was not in charge of the Pandemic, We would have had Force Vaccinations.


Journalist Question to Albanese referring to the large Convoy Rally in Canberra, Um thousands have a Mask outside parliament again today protesting you guys mandate. Are you worried?

Anthony Albanese: says Go home, Go Home Don’t engage in the sort of Behaviour that we’ve seen. Um, my understanding is during the recent period in Canberra there have been people intimidated for wanting to get Vaccinated, uh there’s been behaviour and blocking of people movement it doesn’t advance any cause. It doesn’t assist the sort of nonsense that we’ve seen of people dressed up in military camouflage walking around can if you think that’s a way that you win support for your view in Australia I think you are very wrong I think these people need to just go home and think about the facts which are out there and the facts are that you are more like to avoid getting COVID if you’re fully vaccinated. The fact is you do get COVID you’re far less likely to have acute health concerns if you’re fully vaccinated and you’re far less like to suffer death if you’re vaccinated at a time when our nurses our healthcare professionals working their guts out under extraordinary pressure in our Hospitals but a particular shout out to those in our age care facilities have some respect for the people who have been working beyond and reasonable criteria working extend hours under extraordinary pressure to keep their fellow Australians safe and look after them go home

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Video Rebel News

ATAGI advice on defining ‘up-to-date’ status for COVID-19 vaccination

National Cabinet noted that the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has updated their clinical advice to include that all individuals aged 16 years and over are recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose to maintain an ‘up-to-date’ status.

Consistent with current arrangements this booster dose is recommended from 3 months after the last primary dose and will now be recommended to be administered within 6 months of completing the primary schedule. Boosters are not recommended for children aged 5-15 years of age and ATAGI will continue to review the evidence on the need for a booster dose in this age cohort.

ATAGI has advised that a booster can be given safely and effectively at any time after 6 months to become ‘up-to-date’ in the event that the booster had not been received earlier.

In its advice ATAGI acknowledges that this change in definition of up-to-date status for COVID-19 vaccines may impact the status of an individual’s COVID-19 immunisation certificate, and sufficient time should be provided to support implementation of changes. ATAGI has recommended they be made effective by the end of March 2022.

National Cabinet noted ATAGI’s advice that these ‘up-to-date’ requirements be applicable for domestic situations and policy settings and noted the Commonwealth Government’s decision that the existing arrangements and definition of ‘fully vaccinated’ for the purposes of overseas travel and arrival into Australia will continue to be that individuals must have received a complete two dose primary course of a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved or recognised vaccine to be considered ‘fully vaccinated’. People entering Australia will not be required to have had a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Morrison’s religious discrimination package couldn’t fly on a wing and a prayer

Sam Bernardo
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House of Representatives
Grattan on Friday: Morrison’s religious discrimination package couldn’t fly on a wing and a prayer

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Scott Morrison made three foolish and arrogant assumptions this week when he embarked on trying to push his controversial religious discrimination legislation through parliament.

As a result, he failed in the mission and emerged from Wednesday’s all-night sitting with his authority diminished. With time almost out before the election, this legislation, which he claimed was “very important”, has reached a dead end.

First, Morrison thought he could tactically outplay Anthony Albanese, wedging Labor on an electorally sensitive issue. This smacked of hubris – it is safer to think your opponent just might be smarter than you are.

Second, he underestimated the spine of the moderates in his own party. He was not properly tapped into his backbench, especially those in the leafy suburbs who are under pressure from independent candidates. The moderates have been acquiring a louder voice recently, which became obvious in last year’s climate change debate.

Third, Morrison believed he could rush a complex issue – which he’s had years to deal with – in the high-pressured dying days of the electoral term. The “I am PM – therefore I can” principle doesn’t always work in a close parliament.

This has been another political shambles for Morrison, already beset by bad polling, a crisis in aged care, and leaked texts.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet – incidentally, a dedicated Catholic – had some prescient words on Wednesday as the federal government prepared for votes on the religious discrimination and associated legislation.

“I’ve made it very clear that I don’t believe legislation in this space is necessary and I think it can end up creating more problems than it solves,” Perrottet said.

As well as arguing it is needed, Morrison said he was committed to the legislation because he promised it before the last election.

In reality, he has been substantially driven by a quest to keep or win faith-based conservative voters, particularly in ethnic areas in western Sydney. Some Coalition sources believe these votes were an essential component in his 2019 victory.

Albanese desperately requires these votes too – Labor identified after the 2019 election that it had a problem with them – and he certainly can’t afford to lose those already in the ALP’s camp.

So although many in Labor and its base didn’t want a bar of the religious discrimination legislation – Bill Shorten told Parliament “We will rue the day if this legislation passes the Senate” – the opposition leader wrangled a divided frontbench and caucus into supporting it, while pressing amendments.

The government’s package included an amendment to the Sex Discrimination Act to prevent gay students being expelled from religious schools.

But that was narrower than an earlier undertaking Morrison gave and it didn’t cover transgender students. The government said it wanted a report from the Law Reform Commission before acting on them, because of what it insisted were the complexities of religious schools dealing with trans students.

The exclusion of transgender children turned out to be a serious flaw in the eyes of some in Liberal ranks.

The moderates asserted themselves, in negotiations on the package before the parliamentary debate, and in the chamber. They were driven by principle but also by their own political imperatives.

Some moderate critics of the bill share Perrottet’s view about the unwisdom of stirring up the religious discrimination issue. They were even more exercised about transgender students being left in limbo.

Morrison twisted arms and gave some sops to try to corral his followers.
Perhaps he thought when push came to shove, his authority would get him through.

It didn’t. Two Liberal defectors, Bridget Archer and Trent Zimmerman, raised their heads in votes on the main bill, although it eventually passed the House of Representatives unamended.

It was a much worse story for the government on the bill to amend the Sex Discrimination Act. Three more Liberal rebels – Katie Allen, Fiona Martin and Dave Sharma – joined Archer and Zimmerman. The five supported a successful amendment for all students – including transgender – to be protected.

Morrison was left flummoxed and no doubt furious. The government was uncertain how votes would go if the legislation went immediately to the Senate. For hours on Thursday it mulled over its next step.

It was consulting stakeholders, according to Assistant Minister to the Attorney-General Amanda Stoker. And counting its numbers, obviously, in this hostile chamber. One of its senators, Andrew Bragg, would have crossed the floor. But in fact, non-government Senate leaders had already decided late Wednesday there wouldn’t be enough time to deal with the legislation on Thursday.

Meanwhile the Australian Christian Lobby declared the government should withdraw the package, saying: “Taking away protections for Christian schools is a price too high to pay for the passage of the Religious Discrimination Bill.”

After a few hours the government shelved the package, and lashed out. Attorney-General Michaelia Cash argued in a letter to her Labor counterpart, Mark Dreyfus, and crossbencher Rebekha Sharkie, who moved the successful amendment, that the change could in fact allow – rather than prohibit – discrimination in religious schools.

The government said this was based on advice from the government solicitor, although the letter did not reference the advice.

Sharkie was unimpressed, describing Cash’s letter as a “ruse”. “Let’s see what’s behind it,” she said, challenging Cash to table the legal advice.

Sharkie smells the same game as the government played years ago when the crossbench rolled it to pass the Medevac law to facilitate the transfer of offshore asylum seekers and refugees to Australia for treatment.

The consensus is the religious discrimination package won’t get through this term. There are only a couple of Senate sitting days left (in budget week), the government doesn’t have the numbers, and the political caravan will have moved on.

As for now, Morrison might argue he tried but was thwarted by Labor. But that can be countered with a question and a proposition.

The question is: “Why did you leave it so late?” The proposition is that, regardless of the legal argy-bargy, when you are promoting anti-discrimination it is difficult to complain you have been stymied by the House of Representatives insisting on removing discrimination against trans kids.

This botched bid to legislate against religious discrimination has been a textbook example of poor policymaking. And that’s leaving aside the problematic nature of the case for the policy in the first place.The Conversation

Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

QLD Government to Invest in Queensland Airports to secure more flights

Sam Bernardo
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Virgin Gold Coast Airport
Photo Blow the Truth


The Palaszczuk Government is joining forces with Sunshine Coast Airport and other international airports across Queensland to invest $200 million in the state’s international reopening.

The nation-leading agreement sees the government partnering with Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane and Cairns Airports to attract more overseas flights to Queensland.

Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said this was another crucial part of Queensland’s COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.

“More flights. More tourists. More tourism dollars. More jobs. That’s what today’s announcement means for regions like the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Dick said.

“This partnership will see our government working with Queensland’s major airports to secure more flights and new overseas routes so we can continue building back better.

“Best of all, our investment is going to safeguard employment across the aviation and tourism sectors.

“It will benefit our airline workers, airport staff, tourism operators, accommodation providers and small businesses.

“This partnership has been made possible through the support of our airports like the Sunshine Coast, and I thank them for working collaboratively with us,” he said.

“For the Sunshine Coast, the New Zealand market holds huge potential, and we want to welcome more of our Kiwi friends to this region.

“Combined with our ‘Days Like This’ tourism campaign announced earlier this week, this $200 million aviation funding boost will ensure brighter days are ahead for the Sunshine State.

“Queensland is a welcoming state, and we want to welcome more international tourists from every corner of the globe.”

The investment is split between government and the private sector, with $100 million through the Palaszczuk Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund and $100 million from Queensland’s major airports and regional tourism organisations.

It’s expected to deliver more than 5.3 million airline seats per year, generating almost $4 billion.

Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Andrew Brodie thanked the Queensland Government, saying the announcement is great news for Sunshine Coast Airport and the region more broadly.

“Investment by the Queensland Government in our airport will create jobs for generations to come and provide a much-needed boost to our tourism industry as a result of increased visitation,” Mr Brodie said.

“Direct international aviation connections allow our region to capitalise on business and tourism opportunities.

“We know international visitors stay longer and spend more, and share their experiences with friends and family, which is key to repeat visitation.”

Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt called the announcement “terrific for the region”.

“The tourism sector is such a big part of the Sunshine Coast economy, and we’re committed to its growth and success,” Mr Hunt said.

“This investment will lead to increased employment opportunities, which will have a positive ripple effect through our communities up and down the coast.”

Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton said the news is not only a boon for tourism but it’s also great for the many New Zealanders and citizens of other nations who live and work in the region.

“I can see huge potential for our agriculture sector, helping to attract workers who will contribute to our economy by supporting farmers and businesses because they will be here long term,” Mr Skelton said.

“It’s an air bridge to New Zealand, the Pacific and Asia. It’s an exciting time for connecting our region to the world.”

Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson welcomed the commitment by the Queensland Government to support growth in international flights into the Sunshine Coast Airport, with its new international runway delivered as part of council’s $334 million Airport Expansion Project.

“Coupled with our direct international gateway, this fund will enable the Sunshine Coast to grow its international visitor market and showcase our spectacular region to a global audience in the 10 years leading up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“More importantly, however, growing our international visitor markets means jobs for our residents and new supply chain opportunities for our local businesses.”

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said international markets are critical for the Sunshine Coast as visitors stay longer and spend more in the region.

“Prior to COVID-19, international travellers represented more than 11 per cent of our market and contributed $285 million to the economy,” Mr Stoeckel said.

“We believe we have the potential to strongly rebuild these markets, with our nature-based tourism offering being what international travellers are likely to be seeking for their next holiday.”

The Palaszczuk Government has invested more than $1 billion to help tourism and hospitality operators through the pandemic.

This includes $10 million in the 2021-22 budget to kickstart domestic aviation connectivity to Australia’s favourite Queensland holiday experiences.

Source: Queensland Government

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